NHL Rumors: 3 Wild On Trade Block, 2 More Could Be Available

The Minnesota Wild are looking to move some salary cap and some of their less-productive/less-needed players out to be able to add more impactful players for their playoff run. They are not only trying to make the playoffs, but make it out of the first round for the first time since 2014-15.

There are a number of possibilities that can come out of Minnesota as Michael Russo reported that Jordan Greenway, Matt Dumba, and Alex Goligoski are all on the trade block. On top of that, Russo mentions Calen Addison and Sam Steel could also be moved at the right price.

The first three names that make the team's trade block make complete sense. Dumba has been rumoured to be on the move by the trade deadline because of his cap hit, lack of production, and his UFA status after the season. The Wild also can't extend him due to their own situation with the cap being forced to pay upwards of $12.5 million in dead cap for the next three seasons. They are hoping Dumba's $6 million being moved off the books can help upgrade their forward group.

Goligoski is similar to Dumba in with his trade status as the defence of the Wild is full and capable while the forwards need more help. Goligoski has been scratched regularly this season as a follow-up to his strong 2021-22 season. He is a UFA at the end of next season with a cap hit of $2 million AAV. He won't free up too much cap space this season in comparison to Dumba, but will help the team move money out for next season.

Greenway's offence has been abysmal and a major drop-off from his last four seasons that have all been similar. He has two goals and six points through 31 games this season and has regularly gotten playing time on the second line. This shows the lack of depth at forward the Wild have. His cap hit is $3 million AAV for the next two seasons, so it may take an asset to move him. Something the team has to consider.

As for the two younger players in Addison and Steel, I think it would be a mistake to move either of them since the Wild need players on cheap contracts for a few years and they have impressed.